Why not give give your skin a present this year

At this time of the year, many people are prone to dry skin, sometimes it’s red and irritated, or sometimes dry patches can develop.

At this time of the year, many people are prone to dry skin, sometimes it’s red and irritated, or sometimes dry patches can develop.

Fluctuating temperature causes a lot of the damage, central heating and air conditioning in cars also pose a problem.

Winter really does bring out the worst in every skin type. Take oily skin. The drier environment (central heating, icy winds) exacerbates oiliness. If it’s dehydrated, it overcompensates by producing more oil and leaves skin taut and flaky. Applying an oil-free hydrating serum under moisturiser will give it an extra boost, which will help keep it in balance.

Dry skin becomes drier and looks older and more lined, so it needs richer oil-based moisturising - facial oil is a real lifesaver. Sensitive skin becomes more fragile, prone to redness and flaking, so it’s the extra soothing skincare thats called for here.

Face oils are now becoming more popular due to these fabulous benefits. These include tissue healing (scars), anti-inflammatory, sun-protective and disinfectant properties. They can reduces inflammation and promotes excellent moisture retention. They are considered an effective anti-ageing oil due to properties such as the high levels of vitamin E. Besides cooling and soothing inflammation, they are used to soothe skin ailments like chickenpox, acne, psoriasis, and dry eczema and can also used to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

Two oils that are locally available are Rose Hip Oil and Argan Oil.

Skin can look flat, grey-tinted and prune-like in winter. But follow the steps below to a fresh healthy glow - it really works.

Press clean skin with a hot, damp, squeezed face cloth then spray with a floral water spray (Rose Water is a popular choice and easy to find) to cool.

Massage in two drops off face oil.

Repeat the process two or three times and follow with moisturiser if you need it.

Skin will look fresh, plump and feels incredibly soft, as if you’ve just had a facial. If your skin is particularly sensitive, use tepid rather than hot water

Exfoliation is another weapon we have against dry winter skin. Especially in the winter, exfoliation is very important. So often when the skin is dry, we tend to load up on heavier creams to compensate for the dryness. But dry skin means you have dry skin cell build-up. And the more you layer on the heavier creams, the more you are trying to re-hydrate dry skin cells, which makes no sense! Instead, increase your exfoliation to remove the dry skin cells, and then moisturise the new skin cells, resulting in a moister skin.

Enjoy, and if you want to treat yourself or someone close to you, book them in for a hydrating facial before Christmas. Remember to shop local this Christmas and keep your services in your area.

Linda is a makeup artist specialising in bridal makeup, tans and lashes. Contact Linda by email at croughkeale@hotmail.com or 087 6189751

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